Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust launches annual flu campaign

Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust (Walsall tPCT) this week began its annual winter flu campaign and is urging all at risk groups to get their flu jab. The campaign targets the young, over 65s and those affected by health conditions such as heart or respiratory problems, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, low immunity due to disease or treatment or those with multiple sclerosis, conditions of the nervous system or who have had a stroke.  

Dr Sam Ramaiah, Director of Public Health for Walsall tPCT, said: “The flu vaccination has proven to be very effective in older people, as well as people in other age groups with associated medical conditions such as asthma, heart failure and chronic chest problems. I urge the Walsall population to go and see their doctor for a vaccination as soon as possible so that the winter months are infection free.”

In 2006, nearly six in ten people (58%) at risk under the age of 65 did not get a flu jab, leaving over two million particularly vulnerable to the side effects of the virus, which can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, hospitalisation or even death.